The Underboss

what he said was true, about his father owning a business and the constant security, then I could understand why he would want to be around someone he could unwind with

uldn't know how I would hav

father's business and having to be professional all the

's business more every day. But with every stressful job comes the need for an escape." Romano's dark eyes concentrated on me. "I think you have

ve me such a straight-forward answ

verbally express my opinions very often. "I know all about escapes from reality." I decided to play along, but made sure to avoid touch

Confessing my private interests to him seemed bizarre, es

t Tony kn

obby with overze

is eyebrows rise. "You draw?" He threw

" I jerked my chin toward his untouched hamburger. Obviously, he had seen the grease staining the paper underneath it and wanted nothing to do with it.

ed hesitant to try the damn burger but ended up picking it up. Grease dipped down h

finding the who

into surprise as he chewed the b

astonished. "You've taste

ke to know the pl

between his fingers and abolished the grease. "No, I'm not too fond of American food." Onyx caught my eyes and held them there. "I can honestly

been something of

dered what it was. When he said 'Madre', it finally clicked. He was fluent in Italian

ying it safe by eating his fries and bypassing the burg

ir slack expressions and their black suits. Romano turned to see what had caught my attention. He immed

he men as soon as they got within range.

ing me. "But your father called. He needs y

hinned before h

least twice a day. "Go, I'm fine." As much as I hated to admit it, I had been enjoying the man's presence. But I was sudd

his bodyguards away, leaning toward me.

t worry about it, Mr. Romano. You're busy.

m sure you are used to it, Anton, and I apologize. I assure

e thought there wo